Iraq Broadcasts Another Confession, Increasing Tensions With Syria

For the second time in a week, the Iraqi government publicly broadcast a confession on state television which accused the Syrian government of supporting militants responsible for attacks against Iraq, further raising the stakes in the increasing diplomatic row between the two neighbors.

Syria and Iraq recalled their respective ambassadors last week following the first confession, and a demand from Iraqi officials that Syria hand over high-ranking Ba’athist officials. The new accusation significantly ups the ante, however, as they not only accused Syria of direct support for terrorists, but they alleged that the nation was operating al-Qaeda training camps, an claim which if supported with any evidence would have enormous ramifications.